Spain is a place that charms your soul, not just with its little cultural quirks that make living here feel like stepping into a whole new world. Moving to Spain has been a whirlwind, but I’ve been especially fascinated by the slower, more intentional pace of life. There’s something about this that leaves me reflecting on what I’ve missed out on by constantly rushing around back home.
And, oh, let’s talk about the kisses.
Kissing on the Cheek: A Heartfelt Hello
In Spain, greetings are an intimate affair. You’re not just getting a wave or a nod—you’re getting up close and personal. The first time I was greeted with **dos besos**, or two kisses on the cheek, I’ll admit, I wasn’t prepared. I had one of those awkward moments where you question which cheek comes first (for the record, start on the left). But once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why we don’t greet each other like this everywhere. There’s something genuinely warm and affectionate about it.
It’s more than just a greeting—it’s a way of acknowledging someone’s presence. And whether you’ve known someone for years or are meeting them for the first time, the cheek kisses are non-negotiable. It humanizes the encounter in a way that a handshake never could. Even now, I sometimes catch myself missing those kisses when I’m in more formal settings.
The Siesta: A Midday Pause to Reconnect
Before moving here, I had this romanticized idea about the siesta. I pictured lazy afternoons filled with naps, just as the name implies. While that happens on occasion, siesta is more about taking a break in the middle of the day than it is about actually sleeping.
Shops close, streets empty, and the hustle slows to a whisper. People retreat to their homes to enjoy long lunches or rest for a while. This midday pause initially threw me off. I found myself wandering around deserted streets, wondering why nothing was open. But now, I see the beauty in it. It’s like the whole country collectively agrees to slow down, take a breath, and prioritize well-being over productivity. It makes me wonder if we’ve been doing it wrong all along back home.
The Slower Pace of Life: Learning to Linger
In Spain, the concept of rushing seems almost alien. Life here unfolds at a more leisurely pace—especially compared to the high-speed culture I’m used to. People take time to enjoy their meals (lunch can easily stretch to two hours), engage in long conversations, and simply linger in the moment.
Even something as simple as walking down the street is done with intention. People stroll, they don’t power-walk. This unhurried pace is something I’ve had to adjust to, but I’m growing to love it. There’s more emphasis on being present than constantly worrying about what’s next on the agenda.
It’s not just about how you move, but how you live. There’s no pressure to be productive all the time. In fact, it’s common to see people sitting at cafés for hours, sipping coffee, chatting, or just watching the world go by. There’s no sense of urgency to “hurry up and leave,” which, to me, has been one of the most refreshing cultural differences.
Public Spaces: The Heart of Social Life
In Spain, public spaces aren’t just for passing through—they’re for gathering. On any given evening, you’ll find families, friends, and couples hanging out in parks, plazas, and sidewalk cafés. The plaza mayor (main square) isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s the heart of social life.
On weekends, the streets are buzzing with energy. Kids are playing soccer, people are catching up over tapas, and musicians are filling the air with music. There’s this undeniable sense of community, of shared space. In Spain, life is lived outdoors, and it’s something I’ve come to appreciate deeply.
Eating: More Than Just a Meal
Food is an event in Spain. Mealtime isn’t about grabbing a quick bite on the go, but about sitting down and savoring. Lunch is the largest meal of the day, often stretching for hours, and dinner is late by most standards (think 9 or 10 PM). Tapas culture—where you order small plates to share with friends—creates an opportunity for extended conversation and connection.
It’s not uncommon to be at a meal for hours, just chatting, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. There’s no rush to get the check and leave. Here, meals are meant to be savored, and food is just as much about community as it is about nourishment.
Living in the Moment: A Lesson from Spain
What I’ve come to realize after immersing myself in Spanish culture is that it’s about presence—whether it’s in the way people greet each other, how they take a moment to rest in the middle of the day, or how they linger over meals and conversations. Spain has a way of teaching you to be more mindful, to slow down, and to truly appreciate the moment you’re in.
These cultural differences may have taken some adjusting to, but they’ve also offered me a sense of grounding that I didn’t know I needed. So if you ever find yourself here, embrace the kisses, enjoy the siesta, slow your pace, and take the time to really connect—with others and with yourself.
It’s a way of life that, once experienced, leaves a lasting impression on your heart.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
